Wound therapy system and related methods therefor

ABSTRACT

A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, including a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with the housing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is in fluid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from the wound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of the fluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag in connection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement, the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may be positioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while still maintaining operation of the control unit. The collection bag may include a hydrophobic vent or material for releasing the gases. In another embodiment, the collection bag comprises a gas permeable material. The collection bag may include one of pleats or bellows.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 14/486,338, filed on Sep. 15, 2014 and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,375,521, which is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/777,171, filed on Feb. 26, 2013 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,834,452, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 12/124,707, filed May 21, 2008 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 8,414,519.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to treating an open wound, and, morespecifically, relates to a sub-atmospheric wound therapy systemincluding a portable container adapted to maintain the operation of thesystem regardless of the orientation or positioning of the container.

2. Background of Related Art

Wound closure involves the migration of epithelial and subcutaneoustissue adjacent the wound towards the center and away from the base ofthe wound until the wound closes. Unfortunately, closure is difficultwith large wounds, chronic wounds or wounds that have become infected.In such wounds, a zone of stasis (i.e. an area in which localizedswelling of tissue restricts the flow of blood to the tissues) formsnear the surface of the wound. Without sufficient blood flow, theepithelial and subcutaneous tissues surrounding the wound not onlyreceive diminished oxygen and nutrients, but, are also less able tosuccessfully fight microbial infection and, thus, are less able to closethe wound naturally. Such wounds have presented difficulties to medicalpersonnel for many years.

Negative pressure therapy also known as suction or vacuum therapy hasbeen used in treating and healing wounds. Application of negativepressure, e.g. reduced or subatmospheric pressure, to a localizedreservoir over a wound has been found to assist in closing the wound bypromoting blood flow to the area, stimulating the formation ofgranulation tissue, and encouraging the migration of healthy tissue overthe wound. Negative pressure may also inhibit bacterial growth bydrawing fluids from the wound such as exudates, which may tend to harborbacteria. This technique has proven particularly effective for chronicor healing-resistant wounds, and is also used for other purposes such aspost-operative wound care.

Generally, negative pressure therapy provides for a wound to be coveredto facilitate suction at the wound area. A conduit is introduced throughthe wound covering to provide fluid communication to an external vacuumsource. Atmospheric gas, wound exudates, or other fluids may thus bedrawn from the reservoir through the fluid conduit to stimulate healingof the wound. Exudates drawn from the reservoir may be deposited in acollection canister or container.

The systems generally require that the container is maintained in astanding or upright position such that the fluid receiving reservoirwithin the respective unit may be vented and continue to receive fluidfrom the patient until the reservoir is full. Accidental tipping ortilting of the bag and/or container may cause the suction to/from theunit to be to be shut-off prior to the fluid receiving reservoircompletely filling. This problem is further exaggerated in portableunits which may be worn or carried by the subject.

SUMMARY

A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection withhealing a surgical wound includes a wound dressing dimensioned forpositioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmosphericpressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. Thesubatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a controlunit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with thehousing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is influid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from thewound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of thefluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag inconnection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement,the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may bepositioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while stillmaintaining operation of the control unit. The collection bag mayinclude a hydrophobic vent or material for releasing the gases. Inanother embodiment, the collection bag comprises a gas permeablematerial. The collection bag may include one of pleats or bellows.

In another embodiment, the portable system for subatmospheric pressuretherapy in connection with healing a surgical wound includes a wounddressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of asubject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to becarried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanismincludes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum, acontainer defining an internal chamber in fluid communication with thevacuum and the wound dressing to receive the wound exudates, a plungerreceived within the internal chamber and movable during actuation of thecontrol unit and a hydrophobic filter associated with the plunger andpermitting escape of gas from the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosureand, together with a general description of the disclosure given above,and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve toexplain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view in partial cross-section of the portable woundtherapy system of the present disclosure illustrating the wound dressingand the subatmospheric pressure mechanism;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the components of the controlunit of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of acollection canister according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of an expandablecollection bag according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of another embodiment of an expandablecollection bag according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of yet another embodiment of anexpandable collection bag according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of still another embodiment of anexpandable collection bag according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an interior perspective view of another embodiment of acollection canister according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an interior perspective view of yet another embodiment of acollection canister according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional side view of still another embodiment ofan collection device according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10B is a side view of an intake mechanism of the collection deviceof FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The wound therapy system of the present disclosure promotes healing of awound via the use of a wound dressing and a portable subatmosphericpressure mechanism. Generally, the portable subatmospheric pressuremechanism applies subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectivelyremove wound fluids or exudates captured by the composite wounddressing, and to increase blood flow to the wound bed and enhancecellular stimulation of epithelial and subcutaneous tissue. The woundtherapy system is entirely portable, i.e., it may be worn or carried bythe subject such that the subject may be completely ambulatory duringthe therapy period. The wound therapy system including thesubatmospheric pressure mechanism and components thereof may be entirelydisposable after a predetermined period of use or may be individuallydisposable whereby some of the components are reused for a subsequenttherapy application.

The wound therapy system of the present disclosure promotes healing of awound in conjunction with subatmospheric negative pressure therapy. Thesystem may incorporate a variety of wound dressings, subatmosphericpressure sources and pumps, and collection canisters. The attachedfigures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure andare referenced to describe the embodiments depicted therein.Hereinafter, the disclosure will be described by explaining the figureswherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout theseveral views.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, wound therapy system 100 according to thepresent disclosure is illustrated. Wound therapy system 100 includescomposite wound dressing 102 and subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104in fluid communication with the wound dressing 102 through conduit,identified schematically as reference numeral 106.

Wound dressing 102 may includes several components, namely, woundcontact layer or member 108, a wound packing member or filler 110supported by the contact member 108 and outer layer or cover member 112.Wound contact member 108 is adapted to substantially conform to thetopography of a wound bed “W”. Wound contact member 108 is substantiallyporous or perforated to permit exudates to pass from the wound bed “W”through the wound contact member 108. The passage of wound exudatesthrough the wound contact member 108 may be unidirectional such thatwound exudates do not flow back to the wound bed “W”. Unidirectionalflow may be encouraged by directional apertures formed in contact member108 or a lamination of materials having absorption properties differingfrom those of contact member 108. A non-adherent material may beselected such that contact member 108 does not tend to cling to woundbed “W” or surrounding material when it is removed. One exemplarymaterial that may be used as a contact member 108 is sold under thetrademark XEROFLOW® by Tyco Healthcare Group LP (d/b/a Covidien).

Wound packing member 110 of wound dressing 102 is intended to absorb andtransfer wound fluid and exudates. Wound packing member 110 isconformable to assume the shape of any wound bed “W”. Wound packingmember 110 may be treated with agents such as polyhexamethylenebiguanide (PHMB) to decrease the incidence of infection, or othermedicants to promote healing of the wound. A suitable wound packingmaterial 110 is the antimicrobial dressing sold under the trademarkKERLEX® AMD by Tyco Healthcare Group LP (d/b/a Covidien).

Outer member or wound covering 112 encompasses the perimeter of thewound dressing 102 to surround wound bed “W” and to provide aliquid-tight seal around the perimeter “P” of the wound bed “W”. Forinstance, the sealing mechanism may be any biocompatible adhesive bondedto the perimeter of wound covering 112. Thus, wound covering 112 may actas both a microbial barrier and a fluid barrier to prevent contaminantsfrom entering wound bed “W” and for maintaining the integrity thereof.

Wound covering 112 is typically a flexible material, e.g., resilient orelastomeric, that seals the top of wound dressing 102 to prevent passageof liquids or contamination to and from the wound dressing 102. Woundcovering 112 may be formed from a moisture vapor permeable membrane topromote the exchange of oxygen moisture between the wound bed “W” andthe atmosphere. A membrane that provides a sufficient moisture vaportransmission rate is a transparent membrane sold under the trade namePOLYSKIN® II by Tyco Healthcare Group LP (d/b/a Covidien). A transparentmembrane permits an assessment of wound conditions to be made withoutrequiring removal of the wound covering 112. Alternatively, woundcovering 112 may comprise an impermeable membrane or a substantiallyrigid membrane.

Wound covering 112 may include a port or connector 107 in fluidcommunication with the interior of wound dressing 102 to facilitateconnection of wound dressing 102 to conduit or tubing 106. Conduit 106defines a fluid flow path leading through wound therapy system 100.Connector 107 may be configured as a rigid or flexible, low-profilecomponent, and may be adapted to receive conduit 106 in a releasable andfluid tight manner. A hollow interior of connector 107 provides fluidcommunication between conduit 106 and the interior of wound dressing102. Connector 107 may have a valve 109 built therein, e.g., a one-way,valve to permit exudates to flow in one direction only, i.e., away fromwound dressing 102 toward subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104.Connector 107 may be provided as a pre-affixed component of wounddressing 102, as a component of conduit 106, or entirely separate andconnected thereto by conventional means. Alternatively, connector 107may be eliminated if other provisions are made for providing fluidcommunication between wound dressing 102 and conduit 106.

Conduit 106 extends from subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 toprovide fluid communication between the interior of the wound dressing102 and vacuum source 118. Any suitable conduit may be used includingthose fabricated from flexible elastomeric or polymeric materials.Conduit 106 may connect to vacuum source 118 or other system componentsby conventional air tight means such as friction fit, bayonet coupling,or barbed connectors. The conduit connections may be made permanent, oralternatively a quick-disconnect or other releasable means may be usedto provide some adjustment flexibility to the apparatus.

Referring now to the schematic diagram of FIG. 2, in conjunction withFIG. 1, control unit 116 of subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104 willbe discussed. Control unit 116 includes vacuum source or pump 118disposed within housing 117, actuator or motor 120 disposed withinhousing 117 for activating the vacuum source 118 and power source 122mounted relative to housing 117. Vacuum source or pump 118 generates orotherwise provides negative pressure to wound therapy system 100. Vacuumsource or pump 118 may be a pump of the diaphragmatic, peristaltic orbellows type or the like, in which the moving part(s) draw exudates outof the wound bed “W” into the wound dressing 102 by creating areas orzones of decreased pressure e.g., vacuum zones with the wound dressing100. This area of decreased pressure preferably communicates with thewound bed “W” to facilitate removal of the fluids therefrom and into theabsorbent or non-absorbent packing member 110. One suitable peristalticpump is the Kangaroo Enteral Pump manufactured by Tyco Healthcare GroupLP (d/b/a Covidien).

Vacuum source or pump 118 may be a miniature pump or micropump that isbiocompatible and adapted to maintain or draw adequate and therapeuticvacuum levels. The vacuum level of subatmospheric pressure achieved maybe in the range of about 20 mmHg to about 500 mgHg. In some embodiments,about 75 mmHg and about 125 mmHg is desired or between about 35 mmHg and75 mmHg may be desired. Vacuum source or pump 118 is actuated byactuator 120 which may be any means known by those skilled in the art,including, for example, AC motors, DC motors, voice coil actuators,solenoids, etc. Actuator 120 may be incorporated within pump 118.

On an exhaust side of vacuum source 118 fluid conduit 106 connectsvacuum source 118 to collection canister 132. Conduit 106 may comprisethe same material or construction along the entire length of the tubingor may assume an alternate form between vacuum source 118 and canister132 than between wound dressing 102 and vacuum source 118. In thealternative, it may be separate tubing.

Power source 122 may be disposed within housing 117 or separatelymountable to the housing 117. A suitable power source 122 includesalkaline batteries, wet cell batteries, dry cell batteries, nickelcadmium batteries, solar generated means, lithium batteries, NiMHbatteries (nickel metal hydride) each of which may be of the disposableor rechargeable variety.

Referring again to FIG. 1, subatmospheric pressure mechanism 104includes collection canister 132 which collects the exudates removedfrom the wound bed “W” during therapy through conduit, or tubing, 106.Collection canister 132 is releasably connected to housing 117 ofcontrol unit 116. Collection canister 132 may comprise any containersuitable for containing wound fluids and is substantially rigid definingan internal chamber 133 in fluid communication with tubing 106.Collection canister 132 may contain an absorbent material to consolidateor contain the wound drainage or debris. In embodiments, at least aportion of collection canister 132 may be transparent to assist inevaluating the color, quality, or quantity of wound exudates. Atransparent canister may thus assist in determining the remainingcapacity of canister 132 or when the canister 132 should be replaced. Inthe alternative, collection canister 132 may be relatively flexible.

Turning now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a collection canister accordingto the present disclosure is shown generally as collection canister 232.Collection canister 232 includes a substantially rigid housing 204defining a chamber 204 a for receiving a collection bag 202. A cover 206is configured to engage container 204 to for a sealed chamber 204 a.Alternatively, cover 206 may be integrally formed with housing 117.Cover 206 defines an inlet port 206 a and an outlet port 206 b. Inletport 206 a is in fluid communication with wound dressing 102 and isconfigured to receive fluid “F” or exudates therefrom. A check valve 212may be integrally formed with cover 206. Outlet port 206 b is operablyconnected to vacuum source or pump 118. Outlet port 206 includes anextension 207. Extension 207 extends within chamber 204 a of container204. Extension 207 includes a channel 207 a or other suitableconfiguration to ensure suction continues to be provided to chamber 204a as collection bag 202 expands to fill chamber 204 a.

Collection bag 202 includes an expandable cavity 202 a configured forreceiving fluid “F”. Collection bag 202 is constructed with ahydrophobic membrane or other suitable material capable of permittinggases to escape cavity 202 a. Alternatively, collection bag 202 may havea hydrophobic vent (not shown). Collection bag 202 is maintained influid communication with inlet port 206 a. It is envisioned thatcollection bag 202 may be integrally formed with cover 206.

In operation, suction from pump 118 is provided to chamber 204 a ofcontainer 204 through outlet port 206 b. As a vacuum builds withinchamber 204 a suction is provided to wound dressing 102 to draw fluid“F” from wound “W”. As fluid “F” flows from wound “W” through inlet port206 a into cavity 202 a of collection bag 202, any residual air or othergases in the system pass through collection bag 202. Cavity 202 aexpands to accommodate fluid “F” as the flow into collection bag 202continues. Check valve 212 prevents fluid “F” from flowing from cavity202 a back towards wound dressing 102. Alternatively, check valve 212may be formed on a distal end 106 b of conduit 106. Collection bag 202continues to expand as fluid “F” is drawn from wound “W”. Channel 207 aformed in extension 207 of outlet port 206 b is configured to permit thecontinued flow of suction into chamber 204 a, thereby allowingcollection bag 202 to expand to fill chamber 204 a. Once collection bag202 and/or chamber 204 a is filled, cover 206 may be removed andcollection bag 202 may be emptied and/or replaced.

With reference now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of a collectionbag for use in collection canister 232 is shown as collection bag 202′.Collection bag 202′ defines an expandable cavity 202 a′ for receivingfluids. A sealing band 204′ maintains collection bag 202′ in a sealedrelationship with patient tube with inlet port 206 a of cover 206. Acheck valve 212′ is positioned on a distal end 106 b of a conduit 106 toprevent back flow of fluid from collection bag 202′ into conduit 106.

Collection bag 202′ includes a bulb-shaped container constructed ofrubber, polymer or other expandable material. As noted above, collectionbag 202′ defines an expandable cavity 202 a′. Collection bag 202′further includes a hydrophobic plug 203′ for releasing gas from withincavity 202 a′. As fluid “F” flows from conduit 106 through check valve212′ and into cavity 202 a′ of collection bag 202′, collection bag 202′expands to accommodate the additional fluid. Any gas trapped withincavity 202 a′ may be vented through hydrophobic plug 203′. Collectionbag 202′ may be removed from conduit 106 and discarded as necessary. Itis envisioned that collection bag 202′ may be reused. Collection bag202′ may optionally include a tie, draw string or other suitable closuredevice for sealing cavity 202 a′.

Turning to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of a collection bag of thepresent disclosure is shown generally as collection bag 302. Collectionbag 302 includes a pleated container constructed of a hydrophobicmaterial, e.g. TYVEK. This construction permits any air or other gasestrapped with the collection system to pass through collection bag 302while collecting fluid “F” (FIG. 3) therein. Collection bag 302 definesan expandable cavity 302 a for receiving fluids. In one embodiment,collection bag 302 is preferably configured to expand to fill chamber204 a of collection canister 232. Collection bag 302 may further includea window 303 for viewing the contents of cavity 302 a. As fluid enterscavity 302 a of collection bag 302, pleats 301 formed in collection bag302 expand to increase the capacity of cavity 302 a and accommodate theadditional fluid.

With reference now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a collection bag ofthe present disclosure is shown as collection bag 402. Collection bag402 is constructed of hydrophobic material and includes accordion-likefolds 401. Folds 401 are configured to expand as collection bag 402fills with fluid “F” (FIG. 3).

Turning now to FIG. 7, yet another embodiment of a collection bag isshown generally as collection bag 502. Collection bag 502 is constructedfrom hydrophobic material that is rolled. Collection bag 502 may includea window (not shown) for viewing the contents therein.

Turning now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the present disclosure isshown generally as collection device 600. Collection device 600 includesa container 604 defining a first chamber 606 in fluid communication witha second chamber 608 separated by a divider 607. Container 604 furtherincludes an inlet port 604 a in fluid communication with first chamber606 and one or more outlet ports 604 b in fluid communication with thesecond chamber 608. Inlet port 604 a is operably connected to conduit106′. Conduit 106′ may include a check valve (not shown). Outlet ports604 b are operably connected to a source of suction not shown.

A plunger 610 is retained within second chamber 608 of container 604.Plunger 610 is a substantially planar member including a hydrophobicmembrane 612 and a seal 214 a extending about a perimeter 214 of plunger610. Plunger 610 is configured to be advanced in the direction of arrowA as suction is applied to outlet ports 604 b and air is removed fromwithin second chamber 608. Alternatively, it is envisioned that plunger610 may be attached to an advancement mechanism, including hydraulic,pneumatic and motorized cylinder, for advancing plunger 610. Movement ofplunger 610 towards outlets 604 b (direction of arrow “A”) creates avacuum in first chamber 606. The vacuum created in first chamber 606provides suction to conduit 106′. As plunger 610 is drawn towardsoutlets 604 b fluid “F” fills first and second chamber 606, 608.Residual air trapped within container 604 and/or conduit 106′ isexhausted though hydrophobic membrane 612. Once first and secondchambers 606, 608 are filled, conduit 106′ is disconnected fromcontainer 604. Collection device 600 may include a valve or othermechanism (not shown) for draining container 604. Alternatively,collection device 600 may be discarded.

Turning now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the present disclosure isshown generally as collection device 700. Collection device 700 issubstantially similar to collection device 600 and includes a container704 having a first chamber 706 in fluid communication with a secondchamber 708. First and second chambers 706, 708 are separated by adivider. An inlet port 704 a fluidly communicates conduit 106′ withfirst chamber 706. An outlet port 704 b fluidly communicates secondchamber 708 with a vacuum source (not shown). A plunger 710 is receivedwithin first chamber 706. Plunger 710 includes a hydrophobic membrane212. Plunger 710 is configured to create a vacuum in first chamber 706as plunger 710 is advanced in the direction of arrow “B”. The vacuum infirst chamber 706 causes fluid “F” to be drawn through conduit 106′.Once first chamber 706 is filled, conduit 106′ is disconnected fromcontainer 704. Collection device 700 may include a valve or othermechanism (not shown) for draining container 704. Alternatively,collection device 700 may be discarded.

With reference now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an alternate embodiment of thepresent disclosure is shown generally as collection canister 800.Collection device 800 includes a container 804 having a cover 806 anddefining a substantially sealed chamber container 804 a. An inlet port(not shown) may be formed in container 804 and/or cover 806. Cover 806further includes an outlet port 806 b configured for operable connectionwith a vacuum source. Cover 806 further includes a flange 807 extendinginwardly from outlet port 806 b. An intake mechanism 810 extends fromflange 807 and is in fluid communication with outlet port 806 b.

Intake mechanism 810 includes a bellows 812 and a float 814. Bellows 812may be constructed of silicone or other suitable flexible material.Bellows 812 defines a passageway 812 therethrough in fluid communicationwith outlet port 806 b. Bellows 812 includes openings 813 for receivingair from with chamber 804 a. Float 814 may include an air bag, open cellmaterial or other suitable material with a low mass. Float 814 may beaffixed to an end of bellows 812. Alternatively, float 814 may beover-molded to bellows 812. Float 814 is configured to maintain at leastone of openings 813 formed in bellows 812 above the level of fluid “F”as chamber 804 a fills with fluid “F”. Bellows 812 and float 814 areconfigured such that as container 804 is transported, i.e. tilted orinverted, collection device 800 continues to collect fluid “F”.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beeffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the disclosure.

1.-6. (canceled)
 7. A system for treating a tissue site with reducedpressure, the system comprising: a wound dressing for placing proximateto a tissue site; a reduced-pressure source for providing reducedpressure; and a container fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure sourceand the sealed treatment space; wherein the container comprises: aninterior space; a fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the sealed treatmentspace and the interior space; a reduced-pressure inlet fluidly coupledto the reduced-pressure source and the interior space; and a materialadapted to allow gases to egress from the interior space separately fromthe reduced-pressure inlet while retaining liquids and maintainingreduced pressure.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the containerfurther comprises a flexible pouch formed substantially from thematerial adapted to allow gases to egress from the interior space. 9.The system of claim 7, wherein the wound dressing comprises a woundfiller for placing proximate to the tissue site.
 10. The system of claim7, wherein the wound dressing comprises a porous member for placingproximate to the tissue site.
 11. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising a sealing member for forming a fluid seal over the porousmember to form a sealed treatment space.
 12. The system of claim 11,wherein the container further comprises a flexible pouch formedsubstantially from the material adapted to allow gases to egress fromthe interior space.
 13. A container for receiving and processing bodyfluids, the container comprising: an interior space; a body fluid inletfluidly coupled to the interior space; a reduced-pressure inlet fluidlycoupled to the interior space; and a material adapted to allow gases toegress from the interior space separately from the reduced-pressureinlet while retaining liquids and maintaining reduced pressure.
 14. Thecontainer of claim 13, wherein the container housing comprises aflexible pouch formed substantially from the material adapted to allowgases to egress from the interior space.
 15. A method for processingbody fluids from a patient, the method comprising: causing the bodyfluids to enter into a container, wherein the container comprises: aninterior space; a body fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the interiorspace; a reduced-pressure inlet fluidly coupled to the interior space;and a material adapted to allow gases to egress from the interiorseparately from the reduced-pressure inlet while retaining liquids andmaintaining reduced pressure; and evaporating and removing at least aportion of the water from the body fluids using the material.